Connecting element

ABSTRACT

A connecting element ( 10 ), in particular for connecting a lining piece with a support, includes a head part ( 12 ) for fastening to the lining piece, and a foot part ( 14 ) for fastening to the support. The head part ( 12 ) and the foot part ( 14 ) are connected with each other elastically so that the foot part ( 14 ) is movable relative to the head part ( 12 ) in directions perpendicular to a central axis (A) of the connecting element ( 10 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a connecting element, in particular for connecting an inner lining piece of a vehicle with a support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From DE 197 53 678 A1 such a connecting element with a head part for fastening to the lining piece, and a foot part for fastening to the support is known. At one end of the connecting element a head part is situated, which is fastened to the lining piece before assembly. A foot part in the form of a spreader element which is inserted, on assembly, into an opening provided on the support, is situated at the other end of the connecting element. By applying pressure on the lining piece, the spreader element is spread by a cone and thereby the foot part is locked in the support.

It is an object of the invention to facilitate the mounting of a lining piece on a support by a connecting element, and to make possible a better tolerance balance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a connecting element, in particular for connecting a lining piece with a support, includes a head part for fastening to the lining piece, and a foot part for fastening to the support. The head part and the foot part are connected with each other elastically so that the foot part is movable relative to the head part in directions perpendicular to a central axis of the connecting element. The elastic bearing of the foot part allows a continuous displacement of the foot part when the lining piece is being mounted. The foot part can thereby adapt itself automatically to the position of the corresponding opening in the support, and can engage securely. If the distances of the connecting elements on the lining piece do not coincide exactly with the distances of the associated openings on the support, the connecting elements, which are movable inherently, permit a corresponding equalization, so that no stresses occur in the lining piece after mounting, either.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b show two different perspective views of a connecting element according to the invention, with a view onto the head part; and

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the connecting element with a view onto the foot part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The connecting element 10 according to the invention as illustrated in the Figures is provided for attaching a vehicle interior lining piece to a support, e.g. a vehicle door plate. The connecting element 10 comprises a head part 12 and a foot part 14 which are connected with each other elastically by two undulating springs 16.

The head part 12 has a cylinder section 18, concentric to a central axis A of the connecting element 10, with detent noses 20. A partially encircling outer flange 22 and an inner flange 24 are formed at the same height on the cylinder section 18. The flanges 22, 24 are interrupted by a passage 26.

The foot part 14 has an elastic, tapered clip profile 28. A spring plate 30 and an optional foam seal 32 are arranged above the clip profile 28. A central pin 34 extends in the axial direction from the clip profile 28 through the passage 26 to beyond the cylinder section 18 of the head part 12. A support profile 36 is formed on the pin 34. The undulating springs 16 are connected at their inner ends with the pin 34 and at their outer ends with the inner side of the cylinder section 18.

Before the lining piece is attached to the support, the connecting element 10 is arranged on the lining piece. This is done by pressing the connecting element 10 with the head part 12 frontally (i.e. in the direction of the axis A) into a mounting of the lining piece which is adapted to the head part 12, until the detent noses 20 engage in the mounting. The outer flange 22 serves as a stop and allows the connecting element 10 to be held during the mounting process.

Because the head end 38 of the pin 34 projects beyond the cylinder section 18 of the head part 12, the foot part 14 is pressed out from its initial position away from the lining piece into a mounting position when the head part 12 is being fastened to the lining piece.

The lining piece is then mounted on the support, by the foot part 14 of the connecting element 10 being inserted with the clip profile 28 into a matching opening of the support, and engaging there. As the head end 38 of the pin 34 rests on the mounting of the lining piece, an undesired displacement back of the foot part 14 is avoided in this procedure. Moreover, the preceding axial displacement of the foot part 14 into the mounting position leads to the support profile 36 of the foot part 14 resting on the inner flanges 24 of the head part 12, in order to enable to receive the axial withdrawal forces F (see FIG. 2) in the mounted state of the lining piece. The spring plate 30 serves to equalize the thickness of the support and for sealing. The sealing effect can be increased by the optional foam seal 32.

The elastic bearing of the foot part 14 allows a displacement of the foot part 14 relative to the head part 12 of the connecting element, which is securely arranged on the lining part, transversely to the direction of insertion (perpendicular to axis A, see arrows X and Z in FIG. 1 b ) during the mounting of the lining piece. The limits of mobility can be predefined by the design of the springs 16 and the dimensions of the passage 26. It is possible thereby to equalize inaccuracies in the positioning of the connecting element 10 over the opening of the support. The mobility of the foot part 14 is also maintained after mounting, so that stresses of the mounted lining piece are avoided.

Of the mounting procedure, in particular the step of fastening the connecting element 10 to the lining piece is able to be automated, because the connecting element does not require any assembly and is brought into connection with the lining piece by frontal insertion into the mounting of the lining piece, i.e not by being pushed on laterally or suchlike.

After the lining piece is dismantled, the foot part 14 returns into its original central position. In the case of a renewed mounting, however, the foot part 14 is able to be displaced again, if required.

The connecting element 10 may be produced in one operating step in one piece from a single material in an injection moulding process by using special core/slider profiles. No refinishing or assembly of the connecting element 10 is necessary.

The use of the connecting element according to the invention is not restricted to the described application. 

1. A connecting element, in particular for connecting a lining piece with a support, the connecting element including a head part for fastening to the lining piece, and a foot part for fastening to the support, the head part and the foot part being connected with each other elastically so that the foot part is movable relative to the head part in directions perpendicular to a central axis of the connecting element.
 2. The connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the foot part is connected with the head part by at least one spring element.
 3. The connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the foot part is displaceable in axial direction relative to the head part from an initial position into a mounting position.
 4. The connecting element according to claim 3, wherein the foot part has a component which projects in axial direction beyond the head part.
 5. The connecting element according to claim 3, wherein in the mounting position a support profile of the foot part rests on a bearing of the head part.
 6. The connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the head part has a cylinder section with detent noses.
 7. The connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the foot part has an elastic, tapered clip profile.
 8. The connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the foot part has at least one sealing element.
 9. The connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the head part and the foot part are constructed as a single piece.
 10. The connecting element according to claim 9, wherein the connecting element is produced from a single material in an injection moulding process. 